finally! a proper demonstration... I've seen people blast zirconium oxide rods with a blowtorch to show the basic principals but this is 100% a first seeing an actual nernst lamp in aciton!

This guy coming back to KZfaq was one of the best things to happen this year.

Remember the golden era of KZfaq? Before everything was monetized amd had production budgets, and it was just people doing cool stuff, making videos of it, then sharing it for fun? This brings back those feels. I could watch this kind of content for days man. Thank you for the awesome video, hope to see more!!

Ironically, the part that looks most like a modern lightbulb doesn’t produce any light whatsoever.

Old Photon: I POPPED IT New Photon: I didn't pop it. Here's how it works.

It's stuff like this that makes the wait for Photon's return worth while.

Very nice. Any idea what voltage was being dropped by the ballast?

That is probably one of the most interesting lamps I have ever seen. The fact that it still functions more than a century after its construction is incredible!

I think that’s the first genuine “I’ll open it up carefully”

"I know not everyone thinks these things are wonderful...." Screw those people. This is cool stuff...

Thank you Photonicinduction! All my life, and that's a lot of years, I've wanted to see a Nernst lamp working and now you've done it for me. A great description of how it works too. I've read somewhere that if the heater failed, one could "light" the glower with a match, not that you'll be doing that of course! - Peter

I worry about what would happen to all of his beautiful rare things if something were to happen to this national treasure of a guy....The care and appreciation (and knowledge) is second to none. I'm just a guy in Kansas..

“Nobody’s ever been brave or stupid enough to power one up… let’s do it”. That’s what I love about this channel. Fascinating lamp, have never seen one.

I have never been so happy to have a channel back.

It's quite moving to see something so old and fragile being carefully brought back to life like this. I love these new vids - I didn't think you'd top the arc rectifier one but you just did. Thank you.

Imagine using your mercury arc rectifier to convert AC to DC for the Lamp only to realise that your rectifier is brighter than your lamp 😜. Anyways great video as always.

IT'S NOT A LAMP...ITS A PIECE OF ART

I like how the Wikipedia article for this type of lamp was edited to include this video in its external links section like 6 minutes after this video was posted.

That's the first and only time i've seen one of these operate. AWESOME!!

During my exploration days I'm almost certain I've stumbled upon some of those lamp bases at random locations. I'd actually dismissed them as being part of an oil lamp and wandered off - if only I'd known! Fascinating video and as you say: It's now on the internet and will be there forever. Nice one!

when Photonicinduction is careful with electronics, you certainly know it's something special!

"this is very rare" Proceeds to show us he has three

Andy just risked a $1500 USD lightbulb for our viewing pleasure, thats dedication. And something that probably few people alive have ever seen. A little bit of history, the Nernst lamp was developed in 1897 as one of the first incandescent lamps with any useable lifetime, they were also more efficient than carbon filament lamps and produced more natural light. They were used in the 1900 world fair at a German electrical equipment supplier. They were used in early fax systems, optometry slit lamps, projectors, and microscopy. They were also used in IR spectroscopy for awhile. In 1937 the main mine where the minerals for the glower were brought up was flooded by Lake Buchanan. They are cool pieces of history, and this is probably one of the only videos online of an actual production lamp operating. You can see the zirconia glower outside of lamps, but none that I have found in a state like this.

That was incredibly impressive!! I wonder when the last time a Nernst lamp was lit up anywhere in the world? It's certainly been decades, at least. Thanks so much for sharing this!!

From a previous KZfaq career of abuse and popping of electrical stuff, to showing something so rare with the true reverence and respect it deserves. This is a new side of the PhotonicInduction channel I love. Well done mate - more like this please! (and more wanton pointless destruction for the sake of it too!!)

we're not getting bored... Never even heard about Nernst lamps, let alone see one.

- Come on, it's just yet another weird shape carbon filament lamp... ... takes the glass bulb out ... - Wait... WHAT?! ... entire video ... - Amaaaaazing!

" Let me know if you get bored with the videos, and I will stop doing them." My friend, from looking at the comments, the thumbs up, and the amount of your subscribers, you will be making videos right up to the last moment you escape your mortal coil. Thank you, for another incredible, fascinating, and beautifully done video. Cheers.

I have NEVER seen such a lamp before, or had even heard of them until today.

Photonicinduction is like a wizard, but he is no necromancer, he is an electromancer.

Absolutely smashing old chap! Excellent show!

Hi Andy, just revisiting this Nernst video again. Was talking with a good friend of mine in the pools re old types of lighting. The Nernst lamp came up in the discussion, so I referred to your video. Great to see this device work again. Hope all is good with you and maybe start making some new video's in 2023. Happy New Year anyway.

I'm loving the "new" Photonicinduction. I'd love to see more of what appears to be a very extensive collection of electrical gadgets. Really great to get an understanding of the technology from the past.

It’s sure impressive to see the glower intact after so many years. Never thought I would get to see one operate in its original form.

Oh wow. I love all your videos, and they're typically outrageous, but this one is really special. I love your fascination and respect for such an unusual lamp, and I am so thankful for your restoration and demonstration of it! I watched this entire video without skipping a second of it, and enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you so much for doing this! I would love to see more electronics history videos from you!

I doubt I would ever get bored of your videos, even if I am a year late to the party. this one was particularly awesome!

Old Walter Nernst was a busy guy. I never knew he had invented a lamp. I teach the Nernst equation every year in physiology courses.

I let out an involuntary "Oh, wow!" when the glower took off the first time. Thank you for showing us and documenting these rare and interesting pieces of technology. The world is richer for it.

I love how these lamps glow...and glow...and glow...then suddenly *Flash* into life! Dramatic, and even satisfying old toy!

Nice one! The fact that the lamp still works after a century shows how well made they are :-)

An interesting curiosity of these bulbs: they were commonly used in subway stations apparently, and being still in the age of gas light, if a heater coil on one failed for some reason, it could still conveniently be "lit" by heating the glower with a match (or a kerosene wick flame) on a pole just as a gas lamp would have been lit.

You're like that cool uncle that lets you play with flammable spray and a lighter

Very interesting to see a historic Nernst lamp in operation. I'd like to point out though, that for a certain, specifical application there are still Nernst lamps being made! They're used as broadband infrared light sources in absorbtion spectrometers and hence are still manufactured for those.

extraordinary - thanks for powering up history. You have probably increased its value by not only having the lamp but a working one.

What a bunch a charming bulbs... The little "locking" lever is such a lovely detail.

Speaking of oddball lamps, I must dig out the Pointolite bulb I have somewhere

I'm an electrician and have to say thanks for making this video. Unbelievable bulb

I originally joined for the "til it pops" series, but I've grown since then and the science and history behind this technology is amazing.

Somewhere I imagine there are Nernst Lamp enthusiasts just freaking right out.

I love these demonstrations of extremely rare and old technology that is basically impossible to find anywhere else on the internet. Stuff like this needs archiving and I hate it when old technology goes to waste just because it's old.

I’m impressed and can’t believe such an amazing lamp exists! Thank you for sharing it and taking us along on a once in a lifetime adventure!

120 Years old LED lamp,Amazing

Don't know about everyone else, but I found that very VERY interesting.

"Thank you for watching" he says. Thank you for posting man. Don't ever stop showing the world unique and interesting things. It's always fun to watch electrics pop from too much power but it's also fun to watch 100+ year old things still working fine.

Wow! That's simply AMAZING! It must put out 15W! It was so worthwhile sitting through this dull video to see a dim bulb.

Pure magic : A long forgotten time trapped inside the makings of a glass light bulb . thank you so much

Crazy to think that this is the only one of these lamps in the world being lit and it’s in his attic. lol

"If i can get it working, it'll be the first video on the internet" "Well ive already gone and done it *grin*"

Thank-you for posting videos on all the ancient equipment in your collection, modern technology may be more efficient and safer but none of it is beautiful like the old stuff and with so little of the old stuff left and what is left being in the hands of people too afraid to power it up its a very rare sight indeed but always a pleasure.

I juist LOVE old electrical stuff, especially with ASBESTOS. Keep em coming!

Looks like she's feeding you well mate, Glad you're back uploading

I'd never heard of this type of bulb, it's a time machine to back when electricity was in its infancy! Thanks a ton Photon!

Any time I see old light bulbs, i.e. from the teens, twenties, or thirties, at estate sales, I snatch them up. I've never seen one of these, but rest assured, it would be no exception! Would be incredible to find one in the original box... What a wonderful piece of history...

That is absolutely incredible. Sir you have made me want a 120 year old light bulb like no one as ever done before.

The light that bulb puts out, I’d describe it as charming and cozy. It’s warmer than a normal incandescent.

i miss how mechanical electricity used to be.

I'm blown away by this demonstration. The level of detail and hand work involved in creating that lamp is incredible. Thanks for sharing!

What an interesting bit of old technology! Kind of crude but elegant at the same time. There was a little part of me, however, that was expecting "where's my 'ammer?!" to come up at some point... glad it didn't! Although a smash/bang video once in a while wouldn't hurt. Just like the old days! Keep the vids coming mate!

Never heard of Nernst lamps before. Recently on Technology Connections, Alec showcased and discussed Gas Mantle Lamps which appear to operate on similar principles. Thanks for sharing this with us, Andy. Operating just as it was designed for. Another brilliant contribution to the internet museum.

When there are millions of KZfaqrs and millions more wanting to become KZfaqrs, it's not easy to stand out but Photonicinduction absolutely does and brings us content we could never get anywhere else. That was really interesting. Thank you.

It's actially quite stirring to see it running. I'm genuinely emotional. We don't *make* nice things like this anymore!

Coming soon in Photon's historical series - "The Antikythera Mechanism: Until it pops"

That has to be the holy grail of lamps !! . I must admit I never ever thought I’d see one of those things work . Where on earth did he find that one in such good condition ? . It gives a surprisingly good light . Excellent video !!!

Bored? No Andy, I've wanted to see one of these lit for several years after learning of their existence, this was a perfect video.

Beautiful! I had read about the Nernst lamp before watching your video but couldn't find a proper demonstration or even a picture. Thanks!

Can't believe you still have my picture on your wall from years ago. That's awesome! Cool video, thanks for documenting a piece of history.

I'll never get bored of learning about things I didn't even know existed.

No exaggeration, I feel very privileged to have seen this lamp operate, thank you for the explanation and demonstration. Just marvellous. Edit: I typed that two minutes before the end. Glad you feel the same.

You're doing a great service preserving this stuff.

Thank you for sharing this EXTREMELY rare item, I've never even heard of a Nernst lamp before.

This was extremeley interesting! I've heard and read about quite a few things, but this is the first time I've heard about the Nernst lamp! Thank you for presenting this and ... a quick ebay search showed the prices go up from 1.500 USD! They must indeed be very rare!

Never seen a contraption like this. Awesome archaic, old technology :)

Bored,. with you? Never! I've been wanting to see a Nernst lamp in action for over twenty years. I am FLOORED by this. Thank you a thousand times.

I had never heard of a Nernst Lamp before. This was SUPER interesting. Thank you so much for sharing!!

I've never asked for a Patreon before, but you're the first channel I'd love to give a few dollars to. It'd be an honor to support the time money and effort you put into your videos!

I’ve only read about these bulbs. You truly have the Unicorn of lightbulbs. Thank you for sharing it with us all.

Wonderful demonstration of Nernst lamp and self control, it survived photonicinduction. Nice display of reverence for at least one thing in this world

I guess it is good that you didn't pop it and your hammer wasn't needed this time. Not boring! Welcome back and please continue!

Imagine, being a 120 year old human, seeing the same lightbulb when they were a child lol

Technologie connections would love this lightbulb.

Brilliant! Please don't stop making videos! lol More of this old stuff, I find it really fascinating.

Basic principals of the lambda sensor. Your not boring and I’m glad your back

YES! I wanted to see one of these in operation for YEARS!

When he says they're rare they're worth upwards of about £1,000 each.

Really great video. I'd never heard of Dr. Nernst until today so off to Wikipedia I went. He was an incredible chap!

Thank you very much for this video! Wathed it 3 times now. Unbelievable that this lamp is capable of running with a little love from you after 120 years. So beautiful! Also loving the fact that you are back. We really missed you!

I'm really loving these "edu-tainment" style videos you've got going, Andy! Best wishes and kind regards from Michigan, USA.

10:28 Amazing relay sounds. Sound modern for 1899 electronics

Love it! You don’t see old tech and lights like these anymore

Very nice! Thanks for teaching us about this almost forgotten piece of history